Why Pomace Olive Oil Isn’t Worth the Risk

Why Pomace Olive Oil Isn’t Worth the Risk

14th Jul 2025

What Is Pomace Olive Oil and Why Should It Be Avoided?
Discover the truth about pomace oil and why We Olive extra virgin olive oil is the better choice.

If you've ever stumbled across a bottle of pomace olive oil—and been tempted by the price—let's talk. At We Olive, we believe you deserve to know exactly what you're feeding your body and your family. Here’s the scoop: not all olive oil is created equal.

What Is Pomace Olive Oil?

Pomace olive oil is made from the scraps left behind after real extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is pressed—think olive skins, pulp, pits, and stems. To extract the last bits of oil, manufacturers resort to chemical solvents and extreme heat.

Sounds less than appetizing, right? That’s because it is.

Unlike We Olive’s California extra virgin olive oil, pomace oil undergoes harsh refining that strips away nearly everything good: antioxidants, healthy fats, and flavor. It's technically edible, but you're missing the very qualities that make olive oil a pantry staple.

Why You Should Avoid It

Beyond being bland and nutritionally depleted, pomace olive oil may pose health risks. The chemical extraction process can leave behind residues, and both the UK and Spanish governments have issued warnings about the potential carcinogens found in some pomace oils.

Sure, it’s cheap—but is it really a bargain if you're sacrificing flavor, health, and peace of mind?

Why Choose We Olive?

Since 2003, We Olive has been a trusted leader in the olive oil industry, and here’s why:

  • All our olive oils are certified extra virgin by the California Olive Oil Council (COOC)

  • Every batch is tested for quality and purity, both chemically and through a professional blind tasting panel

  • Our founder, Ruth Mercurio, has served on the COOC Board of Directors

  • As an industry leader, We Olive has first access to taste and select from the finest COOC-certified extra virgin olive oils each year—choosing only the best of the best. We’re never limited to one producer, because every harvest is different due to climate, timing, and temperature.

We're not just selling you a bottle—we're sharing a piece of California olive oil heritage, rooted in quality, transparency, and taste.

From our best-selling We Olive Everyday Extra Virgin Olive Oil to our fan-favorite Fresh Garlic olive oil, everything we offer is crafted for those who care deeply about what’s on their plate.

Taste the Real Difference

Ditch the industrial leftovers. Skip the chemicals. Choose olive oil that's cold-pressed, flavor-packed, and certified pure.

Explore our full range of We Olive extra virgin olive oils at shop.weolive.com—and bring home the taste of real quality.